Invisible PAIN Field Generator (21. Night Shift) Frank Koustrup

Overview

The “Invisible Pain Field Generator produces a directional field of moderately intense pain to back of head up to 50’. Cigarette pack size enclosure is easily hidden.”
Inspired by the sheer malice of such a device, the Invisible PAIN Field Generator performed three times. First was an improvised, radio broadcast one wintry night in 1985. Last were as an intermission act at a bar on Easter weekend, 1986. Within months, the members left town.
This compilation is a 60-minute, radiophonic show. It combines and juxtaposes recordings of the performances with thematically similar material. The sources are noisy and feature debris from highways, railways, alleyways, and inside abandoned factories. Plug everything together. Use really shitty tape. Play with the buttons. These original experiments were almost instant. Editing and processing took half a decade.
Not all music has to uplift. But relax. The Invisible PAIN Field Generator is invisible; really quite safe. Just don’t point it at a dog.

”Night Shift” evokes a slice-of-life story of transport, entertainment, food, and industrial work. A train starts to move. Fans at a hockey game are obnoxious. There is an order for fast-food, a deposit of litter, a scream, barking dog, short-wave radio, industrial soundscapes, percussion, percussion inside a piano, and a truck.
”Night Shift” was assembled during an overnight session, hence the title. Most of the soundscape recordings were captured in the evening or at night.
Note: For another rendition of the fast-food order, listen to the composition “Frostie”.
Sources: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1991
Edited: 2004-2005

Engineer: Duncan Inglis

Copyright 2006 Frank Koustrup

  • Year of composition: 2005
  • Duration of the submitted work: 3:27
  • Production: Fanshawe College, home

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